There was an official welcome ceremony aboard the Disney Magic cruise ship on Saturday as the ship began operation at its newest home port.  Listen

Galveston City Council Member Norman Pappous presented a proclamation from the mayor and a key to the city to the captain.

“We are proud to welcome the Disney Magic Cruise Liner to our beautiful island of Galveston,” Pappous said.  “The Disney Magic is a cruise liner that blends classic beauty and grace with all the modern luxuries, technologies, and comforts that make cruising a pleasure.”

“This is a day that Galveston has been anticipating a long time,” said Roland Bassett, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Galveston Wharves.  “All of us that are here today are extremely pleased to welcome the Disney Magic to Galveston.”

Port of Galveston Director Michael Mierzwa noted that he was aboard the Disney Magic when it made a port of call visit to Galveston in 2004.

“Welcome back to Galveston,” Mierzwa said.

Stan Weber from Intercruises, the ground handler and port agent that will service Disney Magic in Galveston, also participated in the welcome ceremony.

“We have the pleasure of working with Disney Cruise Lines in Seattle, Vancouver, New York, Barcelona and now Galveston,” Weber said.  “I know you had a great season in New York.  We are anticipating a better season in Galveston. We’ve got something to aim for, that’s for sure.  So thank you for bringing us in here.”

The Disney Magic sailed from the Port of Galveston later on Saturday on the first of 12 scheduled seven-night cruises from Galveston to the Western Caribbean.